Holiday Activities for the Whole Family in Huntsville, Madison and Madison County

When the weather gets cold, children get restless. Listed here are seasonal events that let you stretch your legs and shake the sillies out. There are so many fun ways your family can make memories together this holiday season – Christmas in Huntsville is full of special events.

For more holiday fun, including all the places to hear music, catch Santa, watch holiday plays, cavort with holiday cheerfulness, and just plain get in the holiday spirit, visit the main page of our comprehensive 2024 North Alabama Holiday Guide sponsored by the Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden.

2024 Holiday Events and Activities

November

All Aboard the Holiday Train! – Kickoff the Holidays at Harrison Brothers

We’ve got something for everyone, whether it’s a visit from Santa, a holiday charcuterie demo featuring Harrison Brothers products, officially starting the iconic Harrison Brothers train, or a storewide 10% discount on all merchandise, all weekend long (excluding existing sale and consignment items).

When: November 8 & 9
Cost: FREE
Where: Harrison Brothers, Huntsville
More info

Galaxy of Lights

From the sparkling pathways to the animated scenes that tell a story of holiday cheer, every moment spent in Galaxy of Lights is a brush with magic. With walking and driving options, Galaxy is perfect for families, couples, and friends of all ages. This event is more than just a light show—it’s a place where memories glow as brightly as the lights.

When: Walking Nights- Nov. 15 – Dec. 1 (closed Thanksgiving Day and Nov. 17), Dec. 4-8, Dec. 18-26 (Closed Christmas Day)
Driving Nights- December 9-17, December 27-31
Cost: $7-30
Where: Huntsville Botanical Gardens
More info

Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail

Please join for the time-honored tradition of the Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail (formerly the “North Poll Stroll”).

When: November 21-December 31
Cost: FREE
Where: Big Spring Memorial Park, 100 N. Beaty Street, Athens
More info

Light Up Kickoff Holiday Show benefitting Kids to Love

Join us as we light up Bridge Street at our annual kick-off of the holiday season, Lights Up! Lights Up will feature live performances from Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre and local choir groups, giveaways, holiday characters and more. Special this year, we are celebrating Sprocket’s, the mascot for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, 5th Birthday! Santa will join us at the end of the ceremony to light up our 45-foot Christmas tree for the very first time this year and launch our holiday light show.

When: November 22 | 4:30-7:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Bridge Street
More info

Friday Flurries

There’s SNOW place like Bridge Street Town Centre, especially during the holidays! Enjoy faux snow, a festive photo op from AlphaLit Huntsville and more!

When: November 22 & 29, December 6, 13 & 20 | 4:30-7:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Bridge Street
More info

Rocket City Christmas Light Show at Toyota Field

Over a mile and a half of nearly one million lights will be on display for all to enjoy, complete with musical synchronization and a “Santa’s Beach Party” theme. After driving through the Light Show, guests can walk inside the ballpark for the Winter Wonderland to experience holiday activities, hot beverages, fire pits, character appearances, and visits from Santa Claus!

When: November 22-December 29 | 5-9 PM
Cost: $30 per vehicle
Where: Toyota Field
More info

Light Up Show at Bridge Street

Bigger and better this holiday season, we will spread cheer through a holiday-themed light show at the Christmas tree near Cinemark.

When: Fridays & Saturdays November 23- December 21 | 6, 6:30, 7 + 7:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Bridge Street
More info

One Table Huntsville

The free annual community meal represents one meal, one day, one table, and one city – united in food, fellowship, and fun for all. VoP’s goal for the event is to bring people from all walks of life together, give thanks, foster connections, create unity, and celebrate diversity.

When: November 25 | 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Big Spring Park
More info

Skating in the Park

The Huntsville Museum of Art and Downtown Huntsville, Inc. are partnering again this year for Rockin’ Around the Rocket City! This kicks off with Skating in the Park, which opens to the public on November 27.

When: November 27- January 5
Cost: $5-15
Where: Behind Huntsville Museum of Art
More info

Tiny Tot Turkey Trot

Does your kid (5 or under) have what it takes to take on Tina Turkey, our hilariously huge turkey mascot, in the Tiny Tot Turkey Trot? They’ll have 100 yards to prove they’re faster than our finely feathered friend. No need to sign up in advance and IT’S FREE!

When: November 28 | 9 AM
Cost: FREE
Where: Spragins Hall, 1601 Ben Graves Drive
More info

Miracle at MidCity

Whether you’re planning a fun night out with friends or family, or looking for the perfect holi-date spot, Miracle at MidCity has everything you need to make the season bright!

When: November 29 – December 24
Cost: FREE
Where: Mid-City
More info

Tinsel Trail

Tinsel Trail is a display of live Christmas trees in Downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park. Over 400 trees will decorate the park for the holiday season. Intended to promote holiday cheer and community unity, each tree is reserved and decorated by a local business establishment, group, or family.

When: November 29- January 1, 2025
Cost: FREE
Where: Big Spring Park
More info

December

Reindeer Rails

Make plans to see Reindeer Rails – the Christmas on the River at Ditto Landing model train display. It’s a sight to see!

When: December 1, 6, 7, 8, 12-15, 19-22, 28
Cost: FREE
Where: Ditto Landing
More info

Christmas Card Lane Walking Nights

Join us for the third year of Christmas Card Lane along the Tennessee River Greenway. Festive 4’x8′ Christmas Cards designed by Huntsville’s most creative companies, non-profits, families, and artists will line the mile-long Tennessee River Greenway

When: December 1-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-25, 27-31 | 7 AM-10 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Ditto Landing
More info

Cruising the Cards

Our designated #DriveNights are specifically for #CruisingtheCards 🚗#BEEPBEEP Start at Ditto Landing and slowly make your way down the greenway.

When: December 5, 12, 19 & 26 | 10 AM- 8 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Ditto Landing
More info

Candlelight Christmas

Join us for a touch of Christmas past at Burritt on the Mountain’s annual favorite Candlelight Christmas. Burritt comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Christmas.

When: December 6 & 7 | 5-9 PM
Cost: Members: $55 per carload (up to six people), General Public: $70 per carload (up to six people)
Where: Burritt on the Mountain
More info

Christmas at the Corner

Santa, fun crafts, decorating delicious cookies, and free hot chocolate. Featuring a petting zoo with a delightful twist, live music, and a sleigh bell ride, it’s a celebration that promises joy and memories for the whole family!

When: December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 | 5-9 PM
Cost: $10; ages 2 and under are free
Where: 731 Kinnard Mill Rd, Hazel Green
More info

Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll on Gas Light Alley

Get ready for the most enchanting holiday adventure in town with Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll on Gas Light Alley! Gas Light Alley transforms into a winter wonderland as snow machines create flurries that fill the alleyway—talk about a snow globe come to life! Our shops, all run by local women-owned businesses, will be decked out in their holiday best, offering everything from unique gifts to festive décor. Feeling a chill? Warm up at our hot chocolate bar! And, of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without a special appearance by Mrs. Claus herself!

When: Friday & Saturdays – Dec. 6-21 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm (Snow machines will go off in intervals)
Cost: FREE
Where: Storehouse
More info

Bethlehem Breakfast

Families will be guided through scenes, where costumed Bible characters will tell the story of Christ’s birth. Your children will be enthralled with the interactive storytelling, and your whole family will make special Christmas memories. The morning will end with each child receiving a gift and everyone being treated to a breakfast buffet.

When: December 7 | 8-10:30 AM
Cost: FREE
Where: Whitesburg Baptist Church
More info

HOWLiday PAWgeant

Enjoy vendors, raffles, adoptable pups, photos with Santa, PAWgeant prizes and more as we make merry for a very good cause.
PAWgeant participation is not required to attend-the more the merrier and we plan to be very merry!

When: December 7 | 12-2 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Rocket City Dog Bar
More info

Christmas Carnival

Bring your friends, family and competitive spirit out to try your hand at a park full of classic carnival games and an inflatable obstacle course.

When: December 7 | 10 AM
Cost: $10; ages 4 and under are free
Where: The Orion Amphitheater
More info

Grinch Day

Come one, come all for a hilarious afternoon with the Grinch. Picture opportunities, Grinchy merc, food and drinks. Perfect for all ages!

When: December 7 | 1-3 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Dirt Road Brit, 2927 Winchester Road, New Market
More info

Winterville

Redstone Family and MWR presents Winterville! Open to the Public, Free to attend! Holiday Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, Dec 7., Food and Gluhwein, Pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Winter Sports Pavilion, Kidpreneur pop-up market, Kids Crafts, Entertainment and more!

When: Saturday, Dec 7, 1-8 p.m. | Sunday, Dec 8, 12 – 5 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Where: Redstone Arsenal Activity Field, Go in Gate 10
More info

Holiday Fireworks

Holiday Fireworks at Christmas on the River at Ditto Landing! You don’t want to miss it!

When: December 7 & 21 | 7 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Ditto Landing
More info

Holiday Magic Dinners 2024

Celebrate the season and support Burritt’s longest-running fundraiser. Experience the magic of the holidays at the historic Burritt Mansion. Join us for an elegant five course meal, complete with appetizers, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert, all complemented by wine and coffee.

When: December 10-15 | 6 PM
Cost: $150 per person – $70 is considered a tax donation to Burritt on the Mountain
Where: Burritt on the Mountain
More info

12 Nights of Santa

Nights of Santa has everything imaginable: write a letter to The Big Guy, decorate a gingerbread cookie, visit with Santa, play in snow, make an ornament, and more!

When: December 112-23
Cost: Members: $13, Non-members: $15, Children under one are free!
Where: EarlyWorks Museum
More info

Deck the Docks

#DecktheDocks is sure to be BRIGHTER this year! We’ve opened up some space where anyone can sign up to bring their DECORATED boat!

When: December 13-15 | 4-8 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Ditto Landing
More info

First Christian Church- HSV Annual Christmasfest

Christmasfest is an annual Christmas event that includes craft stations, hot chocolate bar, telling of the Christmas story, and new for this year free professional pictures with Santa by Wonderland Photography.

When: December 14 | 11 AM-1 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: 3209 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville
More info

Christmas Light Run (Free Fun Run)

Fleet Feet Huntsville is putting on a FREE Christmas Lights fun run!!

When: December 19 | 6 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Fleet Feet Huntsville, 2722 Carl T Jones Drive 2B
More info

Dickens Christmas Fair

Immerse yourself in a Christmas from long ago and bring back the season’s magic by escaping the modern hustle and bustle for an evening in Victorian England. Delight in traditional fare & festive libations worthy of a Dickensian feast, while enjoying timeless holiday tales & tunes brought to life by Fantasy Playhouse performers and roaming street carolers.

When: December 20 | 5 – 7 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: The Orion Amphitheater
More info

Big Spring Jingle

Big Spring Park West will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland featuring festive lights, live music, a dance floor and plenty of prizes and giveaways. Santa will also make a special appearance, taking a break from his North Pole workshop to take photos with everyone. His arrival might even bring a few flurries to the park!

When: December 20 | 4-9 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Big Spring Park
More info

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